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The-box-on-the-water - The BOX on the Water, Ettalong Beach, AU-NSW

The BOX on the Water

4.6
4.6
1843 Reviews
$41 to $100
Modern Australian
Ettalong Foreshore, The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach, AU-NSW 2257

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2 people
20:30
Booked 17 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Great for scenic views
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for outdoor dining
The BOX on the Water is situated in prime position on both the Ettalong foreshore and beach. Its absolute waterfront location has panoramic views out across Broken Bay to its namesake, Box Head, and over to Sydney's northern beaches.

Architecturally designed with a stylish, modern aesthetic, The BOX on the Water restaurant, bar and beach kiosk is just an hour and a half drive from central Sydney or twenty five minutes on the passenger ferry from Palm Beach.

Both the restaurant and kiosk offer fresh, modern Australian cuisine and friendly, efficient service. Experience stylish, casual, 'fun dining' with arguably the best outlook on the Coast!

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $41 to $100
  • Cuisines
    Modern Australian, Seafood
  • Hours of Operation
    Kiosk Daily 07:00–16:00 Brunch Wed, Sun 08:00–12:00 Lunch Daily 11:45–15:00 Sunset sips Fri–Sun 15:00–17:30 Dinner Thu–Sat 17:30–20:30 Sun 17:00–19:00
  • Phone number
    (02) 4339 3369
  • Website
    http://theboxonthewater.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Location
    Ettalong Foreshore, The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach, AU-NSW 2257
  • Area
    Ettalong Beach
  • Parking details
    There is free parking bays along the foreshore next to The BOX and plenty of street parking very close.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Experiences

  • Hot & Cold Seafood Feast (Minimum. 2 people)

    A$89.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Enjoy our hot & cold seafood feast Kids menu available for children under 12 years old for $15pp. Please see our website for the menu

  • The Box Grazing Feast (min. 2 people)

    A$89.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Push the boat out and experience our four course summer grazing feast, curated by owners Monique & Natasha. Our grazing feast showcases everything we love to eat this season, and includes an optional wine pairing to complement each course. Full menu available via our website.

  • Mother's Day Tea by the Sea

    A$25.00 - A$99.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Multiple dates available
    Indulge in a new era of high tea, where tradition meets modern, coastal charm. $99p.p. prepayment is required for all High Tea bookings and includes a glass of our house sparkling or non-alcoholic options. On the day, sit back and explore our extensive tea list from Emerald Tea Traders while you savour our chefs' handpicked selection of sweet & savoury delights. Something for the little ones? Treat them to our Prince & Princess Tea by the Sea ($25 per child) Unfortunately we cannot accomodate Gluten Free, Dairy Free or Nut Free dietaries.

Menu

While you are deciding

  • The BOX olivesA$6.50

    House-marinated Sicilian & Kalamata olives

    • Tamari almondsA$6.50

      Roasted almonds

      • House-baked focacciaA$6.50

        Sweet balsamic & EVOO

        • Add hummus & dukkahA$3.50

      À la carte - Small

      • Oyster bar (minimum 3)A$6.50

        - Natural with lemon - Cucumber & jalapeño granita - Salmon roe, chives, soy & ginger dressing

        • Just prawnsA$26.00

          Fresh unpeeled, BOX seafood sauce

          • CevicheA$24.00

            Local white fish, passionfruit, lime, chilli, avocado purée, kumara chips

            • Seafood teaserA$28.00

              Natural oysters, fresh prawns, white anchovies, ceviche & kumara chips, BOX seafood sauce

              • Grilled sardinesA$22.00

                Peperoncini, lemon oil, focaccia

                • Duck liver pâtéA$21.00

                  Port jelly, house pickles, focaccia

                  • Octopus terrineA$24.00

                    Crispy potato, kale chips, macadamia crumbs, chilli

                    • XO musselsA$23.00

                      XO sauce, focaccia

                      • Tempura zucchini flowersA$24.00

                        Pumpkin & pine nut filling, beetroot tartare, herb oil

                        • Crispy pork belly bitesA$23.00

                          Salted dulce de leche, aji amarillo

                          • BurrataA$24.00

                            Roasted eggplant, pomegranate & walnut relish

                            • XO musselsA$39.00

                              XO sauce, focaccia

                              • Market fish

                                Specially prepared local seafood

                                • Baby barramundi for two to shareA$65.00

                                  Whole fried baby barramundi, sautéed greens, ginger & soy dressing

                                  • Grilled king prawnsA$44.00

                                    Three to a serve, Pernod & chilli butter, fennel & herb salad, chunky croutons

                                    • THE BOX pale ale fish & chipsA$32.00

                                      Baby leaf salad, BOX tartare sauce

                                      • Roasted cauliflowerA$32.00

                                        Beetroot hummus, Zhug yoghurt, seeded crisps

                                        • Confit duck saladA$42.00

                                          Roasted sweet potato, baby spinach, orange, maple pecans, goats cheese, bourbon dressing

                                          • Bavette steakA$49.00

                                            300g, medium rare, chimichurri, roasted corn ribs, watercress salad

                                            For two or more to share

                                            • THE BOX hot & cold seafood feastA$89.00

                                              Cold course: Natural oysters, fresh prawns, white anchovies, ceviche & kumara chips, BOX seafood sauce Hot course: Grilled market fish, XO mussels & focaccia, sardines, grilled king prawns, chips, salad, BOX tartare sauce

                                              Sides

                                              • ChipsA$12.00

                                                Rosemary salt, roast garlic aioli

                                                • Waldorf saladA$12.00

                                                  Celery, apple, walnuts, iceberg lettuce, buttermilk ranch dressing

                                                  • Grilled broccoliniA$12.00

                                                    Almond tarator, chilli & anchovy oil

                                                    • Truffled smashed chatsA$12.00

                                                      Shaved parmesan, aioli

                                                      Dessert

                                                      • Dark chocolate mousseA$16.00

                                                        Candied ginger, white chocolate soil

                                                        • PavlovaA$16.00

                                                          Chantilly cream, berries, lemon sorbet

                                                          • Pineapple cakeA$16.00

                                                            Coconut & lime sorbet, passionfruit coulis

                                                            • Lemon possetA$16.00

                                                              Pistachio ice cream, house-made limoncello, tuille

                                                              • Sorbet of the dayA$16.00

                                                                Ask your waiter for today's flavour

                                                                • Cheese plateA$24.00

                                                                  Local & imported artisan cheeses, fruit & nut rolada, lavosh

                                                                  • AffogatoA$21.00

                                                                    THE BOX Coffee, Frangelico, vanilla bean ice cream

                                                                    Last updated: 12 October 2024

                                                                    What 1,843 people are saying

                                                                    Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                    Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                                    4.6
                                                                    4.6 based on recent ratings
                                                                    • 4.4Food
                                                                    • 4.6Service
                                                                    • 4.6Ambience
                                                                    • 4.3Value

                                                                    Noise • Energetic

                                                                    Loved For

                                                                    • Central Coast

                                                                      Best Overall

                                                                    • Central Coast

                                                                      Best Food

                                                                    • Central Coast

                                                                      Best Service

                                                                    • Central Coast

                                                                      Best Ambience

                                                                    • Central Coast

                                                                      Best Value

                                                                    • Central Coast

                                                                      Good for business meals

                                                                    • Central Coast

                                                                      Healthy

                                                                    • Central Coast

                                                                      Hot spot

                                                                    • Central Coast

                                                                      Neighbourhood gem

                                                                    • Central Coast

                                                                      Good for special occasions

                                                                    • Central Coast

                                                                      Lively

                                                                    • Central Coast

                                                                      Most Booked

                                                                    Review summary

                                                                    AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                    The BOX on the Water dazzles with "stunning views" and "excellent service." Guests praise its "delicious food" and "beautiful location" right by the water. The seafood, especially the "kingfish ceviche," is a highlight. Though prices are on the higher side, the "ambience and friendly staff" create a memorable dining experience.
                                                                    1,843 Reviews

                                                                    1. Julie

                                                                      New South Wales1 review

                                                                      5.0

                                                                      Dined today

                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                      We had a lovely lunch. The service & food was lovely. Was an enjoyable experience. We were entertaining family members from the Netherlands & we had a nice time. Thank you

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                                                                    2. Barbara

                                                                      New South Wales1 review

                                                                      5.0

                                                                      Dined 1 day ago

                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                      We appreciated the friendly consistent great service, congratulations, the food delicious, a lovely afternoon in an amazing spot. Well done ✔️ all in all excellent 👏

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                                                                    3. Fabian

                                                                      Sydney2 reviews

                                                                      5.0

                                                                      Dined 7 days ago

                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                      4. Ambience 4
                                                                      The food and service were exceptional. A little expensive and a bit noisy. I had 2 entrees so I could fit in the dark chocolate mousse which was amazing. I’d definitely go back!

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                                                                    4. Jocelyn

                                                                      New South Wales1 review

                                                                      4.0

                                                                      Dined on 16 March 2025

                                                                      1. Overall 4
                                                                      2. Food 4
                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                      Excellent service and ambiance. Food lovely but grilled king prawns a little awkward getting them out of the shell.

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                                                                    5. Ian

                                                                      Brisbane1 review

                                                                      4.0

                                                                      Dined on 15 March 2025

                                                                      1. Overall 4
                                                                      2. Food 4
                                                                      3. Service 4
                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                      Great location and outlook across the bay Delicious seafood options on menu

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                                                                    6. LynnC

                                                                      New South Wales3 reviews

                                                                      5.0

                                                                      Dined on 14 March 2025

                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                      Beautiful setting on the water Delicious food Attentive service

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                                                                    7. Lee

                                                                      Sydney9 reviews

                                                                      5.0

                                                                      Dined on 1 March 2025

                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                      Our party of 6 had a fabulous evening at The Box. We have dined here many times and it’s consistently good.

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                                                                    8. Rodney

                                                                      New South Wales1 review

                                                                      5.0

                                                                      Dined on 27 February 2025

                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                      We had a wonderful experience for my wife’s 50th thank you to your entire team!

                                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                                    9. denise

                                                                      New South Wales1 review

                                                                      5.0

                                                                      Dined on 24 February 2025

                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                      3. Service 4
                                                                      4. Ambience 5
                                                                      We have been coming to Box for many years now. It is and always has been our favourite restaurant on the Coast. The food and service is consistently good and we have never had a bad experience here. Highly recommended to all our family and friends. This restaurant is the perfect place to showcase what the Central Coast has to offer. The view and ambience are second to none. We are both Hospitality workers from Sydney originally, so understand how hard it is to run a restaurant, keep good staff and have have amazing meals coming out of the kitchen every time. Box on the Water ticks all these boxes. Not to be missed!

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                                                                    10. Anni

                                                                      New York City4 reviews

                                                                      5.0

                                                                      Dined on 20 February 2025

                                                                      1. Overall 5
                                                                      2. Food 5
                                                                      3. Service 5
                                                                      4. Ambience 4
                                                                      Lovely meal and the staff were sweethearts. Would love to come back on a warm night highly recommend

                                                                      Is this helpful?

                                                                    FAQs

                                                                    The BOX on the Water is rated 4.6 stars by 1843 OpenTable diners.

                                                                    Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                                    1. Home
                                                                    2. Australia
                                                                    3. New South Wales
                                                                    4. Central Coast
                                                                    5. Ettalong Beach

                                                                    Make a booking

                                                                    2 people
                                                                    20:30
                                                                    Booked 17 times today
                                                                    Experiences are available.
                                                                    Google Map for The BOX on the Water

                                                                    Ettalong Foreshore, The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach, AU-NSW 2257

                                                                    Additional information

                                                                    • Area
                                                                      Ettalong Beach
                                                                    • Hours of Operation
                                                                      Kiosk Daily 07:00–16:00 Brunch Wed, Sun 08:00–12:00 Lunch Daily 11:45–15:00 Sunset sips Fri–Sun 15:00–17:30 Dinner Thu–Sat 17:30–20:30 Sun 17:00–19:00
                                                                    • Price
                                                                      $41 to $100
                                                                    • Cuisines
                                                                      Modern Australian, Seafood
                                                                    • Dining style
                                                                      Casual Elegant
                                                                    • Dress code
                                                                      Smart Casual
                                                                    • Parking details
                                                                      There is free parking bays along the foreshore next to The BOX and plenty of street parking very close.
                                                                    • Payment Options
                                                                      AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                    • Additional
                                                                      Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

                                                                    Featured in

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